Stirling Uni appoint female manager

Scottish Lowland League side Stirling University have made history by appointing Shelley Kerr as their manager.

The club, who compete in the league just below the Scottish Professional Football League, say they are the first at their level in Britain to appoint a female manager.

Kerr, who won 59 caps for Scotland and is one of four women in the UK to hold a UEFA Pro-Licence Award for coaching, previously managed Arsenal Ladies. She will also take charge of the university's football scholarship programme while studying for a sports management degree.

The 44-year-old said: "I have always had a desire to work in the men's game and the University of Stirling - a very forward-thinking educational establishment - has given me the ideal opportunity to do so.

"I am extremely excited to be given this opportunity to lead the men's performance programme at Stirling."

Stirling Uni finished second in the inaugural Lowland League but have lost their first three games this season.

The next champions will play off with the Highland League winners for a place in Scottish League Two as a new pyramid structure kicks in. The top five teams in the league qualify for the next season's Scottish Cup.

Raleigh Gowrie, the university's sports performance manager, said: "The University of Stirling has made history by appointing Shelley as the first female manager in British men's senior football and we are delighted.

"Not only is Shelley a well-qualified and successful coach, she holds a strong vision of club development and a willingness to enhance the sporting experience for our students. I'm confident she will add great value to our successful programme and complement a strong team."

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